ABOUT THE HAGEN-KAVANAGH SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

The Hagen-Kavanagh School of Irish Dance welcomes boys and girls of all ages and all levels of commitment, from the recreational dancer to the serious competitor. With convenient locations in Long Beach and Rockville Centre, the Hagen-Kavanagh School has so much to offer youngsters. The goal is to promote Irish heritage and culture through the medium of dance.

The Hagen-Kavanagh School is directed by Jean Hagen Duffy, A.D.C.R.G. and Tara Kavanagh Ryan, T.C.R.G. which means they are certified adjudicators/teachers by the Irish Dancing Commission in Dublin, Ireland. Both Jean and Tara have their Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and over 20 years of experience working with children. Since the school opened in 1999, the school has produced many Regional and National champions and several World medal holders.

We aim to give each child confidence through the medium of dance. Our accreditations allow our dancers the choice to compete, but competition is not a requirement to experience the joy of Irish Step dancing as a Hagen-Kavanagh dancer. Each week we encourage students to improve their skills, expand their creativity and increase their strength. Every class learns a recital routine, and once a dancer has mastered their steps we offer the option of performing with the show troupe.

The show troupe of Hagen-Kavanagh has been tremendously successful. Past performances have included: Inside the NFL on HBO, ESPN Top Ten Highlights, and the Army Half-time show at West Point, Six Flags/Great Adventure Dance Festival, Aqueduct Racetrack & the Racing Channel, Irish Night at Shea Stadium and guest performances with Trinity Irish Dance Troupe. The Hagen-Kavanagh School students also take the time to perform at many benefits and fund-raisers. They have danced for the Long Island Advocates, The Francis Pope Foundation and at various colleges and many nursing homes. Anyone interested in a performance inquiry can contact hagenkavanagh@gmail.com for more information.

Here at the Hagen-Kavanagh School, not only is Irish step dancing learned, friendship and team spirit is stressed as well. Students are very supportive and respectful of one another. The dancers work hard and are challenged to do their best not only by their instructors, but also by their classmates. All of us at the H-K School are dedicated to preserving and expanding the beautiful art form and wonderful tradition of Irish dance.